Mission Statement and Vision

The INPM is dedicated to advancing health, spirituality, peace and human fulfillment through research, education and applied psychology with a focus on the universal human quest for meaning and purpose.

As a learned society, INPM believes that high quality scientific research on the positive psychology of meaning in major life domains can contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities. INPM also affirms the potential of personal and societal transformation through the impact of websites, publications, education and meaning-centered counseling/consultation. All the projects and activities of INPM need to be clearly related to the overarching purpose and mission of the INPM.

Who we are

INPM is an international, multidisciplinary, learned society founded by Paul T. P. Wong in 1998 to expand the legacy and vision of Dr. Viktor Frankl. It was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the Federal Government of Canada in 2001. INPM is non-partisan, non-religious and non-governmental, governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee.

INPM has attracted members with professional qualifications from over 30 countries. Although the majority of its members are psychologists and counsellors, other professions represented include medicine, nursing, clergy, social work, education, and management.

Objectives and Activities

In spite of the progress in science and technology, the world remains a scary place. Terrorism, violence and conflict continue to dominate our newspaper headlines. Prosperity without purpose often leads to disillusionment, addiction and depression. Rapid social changes and technological innovations have increased stress and contributed to a sense of alienation and dehumanization. September 11 awakened us to the reality of vulnerability and the urgent need for meaning and purpose.

Against this backdrop, the threefold mission of INPM seems all the more relevant:

1. To advance scientific research of the positive psychology of meaning through biennial International Meaning Conferences, the International Society for Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy and the International Journal of Existential Psychology & Psychotherapy.

2. To advance the scholarship and practice of meaning-oriented counselling, management and education through Workshops, Seminars, Summer Institutes, Meaning Conferences, and The Existential Institute.

3. To educate the public regarding the broad applications of a meaning-based knowledge through our website www.meaning.ca and Positive Living E-zine.

What is INPM?

It is an international network, linking people from various parts of the world.

It is a multi-and inter-disciplinary network, linking people from different professions and academic disciplines.

It is a grass-roots movement, involving people everywhere interested in promoting health, happiness and peace through personal meaning and spirituality.

It is a positive revolution, supporting people everywhere to work together for a more positive, nurturing and spiritual future in an increasingly digital, technological and materialistic world.

It is an open, dynamic, democratic, and interactive network involving hundreds and (hopefully) thousands of partners from all parts of the globe.

Several forces and trends are converging in creating a crying need for meaning and spirituality.

1. Prosperity without a purpose leads to disillusion and emptiness.
2. Progress without a spiritual direction results in confusion and uncertainty.
3. A winner-take-all economy contributes to conflict and injustice.
4. Violence, conflict, addiction, depression, and suicide reflect an existential crisis.
5. The paradox of prosperity without happiness reflects an unfulfilled spiritual hunger.
6. The intense competition of the new economy results in an increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots.

The above climate has created an exciting opportunity for a positive evolution that focuses on promoting meaningful living and a more caring, co-operative society. The world is ready for INPM.
Are we ready for the challenge?

INPM Activities

1. Exchange of ideas on meaningful living through the Positive Living Forum.
2. Promote positive adolescent development, Meaningful Careers, Successful Aging, and Reflections on Meaning.
3. Networking with individuals and institutes interested in meaning research and/or meaning-centered counseling and therapy.
4. Organising workshops, symposia and conferences.
5. Publishing original papers, monographs and conference proceedings.
6. Publishing news items relevant to the quest for meaning

Membership in the INPM

If you are interested in becoming a member of INPM, Please click here for more information, and contact details.